Apparatus for disconnecting a rod line from a power source



Sept. 27, 1955 R. c. FlLsoN 2,718,795

` APPARATUS FOR DISCONNECTING A ROD LINE FROM A POWER SOURCE Sept. 27, 1955 R. c. FILSON 2,718,795

APPARATUS FOR DISCONNECTING A ROD LINE FROM A POWER SOURCE Filed Aug. 1l, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR.

ROGERS C. F/LSON United States Patent O APPARATUS FOR DISCONNECTING AjROD LINE Y FROM A POWER SOURCE Rogers C. Filson, Bartlesville, Okla., assigner to Phillips Petroleum Company, a corporation of Delaware Application August 11, 1952, SerialiNo. 303,797

6 Ciaims. (Cl. 74-593) This invention relates to apparatus for disconnecting a rod line from a power source.

In producing oil wells, a number of downhole pumps are normally connected by sucker rod strings and rod lines to a common power source. One pumper is oftentimes responsible for the operation of a number of such installations, each with its own separate series of rod lines, sucker rod strings, and wells. It follows that substantial intervals of time often elapse between successive visits of the pumper to a given pumping station. Oftentimes, it is desirable that `one or more of the wells` driven by a given station be disconnected from the power source at a time other than the regularly scheduled visits of the pumper. In many cases, provision of such automatic shut-oi`f devices for one or more of several wells being operated by a given pumping station enables the visits of the pumper to become less frequent. That is, more pumping stations can be serviced by a single employee.

It is an object of this invention to provide apparatus for automatically disconnecting a well from a power source.

It is a further object to provide apparatus for so disconnecting a `well at a predetermined time without the intervention of a pumper.

It is a further object to provide such apparatus which is efcient in operation, which can be installed in most cases without modification of existing equipment, and which can be easily moved from well to 'well as production conditions change.

Various other objects, advantages and features ofthe invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: l

Figure l is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a rod line having the novel disconnecting apparatus of this invention associated'therewith;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown by Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a modification of the invention. g

Referring now to the drawings in detail, I have shown a rod line having two sections and 11, the end of the section 1? having a hook 12 secured thereto which extends through an eye carried by the adjoining section 11. The rod line is composed of a number of segments, such as segments and 16, having flanged end portions 17 and 18, respectively, which are joined together by a clamp orV block 19. The clamp or block 19 cooperates with the apparatus of this invention and advantageously constitutes, as stated, a clamp connecting together two adjoining rod segments. However, as will become apparent, the block 19 can be separately formed and secured to the rod line at any desired position and is not necessarily located at the joint between two adjoining rod segments. It will be further noted that the rod line extends through an opening 20 in a stationary post 2l. Preferably and advantageously, the apparatus of this invention is secured to such a post 21 although, as will Patented Sept. 27, 1955 ice become apparent, any other suitable type of support can be provided.

During the normal pumping operation, the hook 12 is maintained within the eye 13 by the tension in the rod line between the eye and the pumping station during the power stroke and by the tension in the rod between the hook and downhole pump during the return stroke.

The apparatus of the invention includes a support 22 incorporating a metal` plate 23 shaped to fit against the post 21 and having a cutaway portion 23a accommodating the rod line. The plate is provided with two upper sets 24, 25 of lugs and two lower sets 26, 27 of lugs. Thelugs are shaped to receive cylindrical metal supports, those associated with the upper lug sets 24, 25 being denoted by reference numerals 2S and 29, and those associated with the lower lug sets 26, 27 being denoted by reference numerals 30 and 31. The cylindrical members are drilled to receive an upper flexible rod 32 extending through cylindrical member 28 around the post 21 to the cylindrical member 29 and a lower flexible rod 33 which extends through cylindrical member 30 around the post and through cylindrical member 31, the ends of the rods being retained by nuts 35 so as to clamp the plate 23 in position upon the post. It will be noted that the support is of quite flexible structure in that diiferent sizes and shapes of posts can be readily accommodated, the cylindrical members readily moving Within the lugs to accommodate the differing angles made by the rods with. the lugs, as determined by the size of the posts. Moreover, the described mounting structure permits the apparatus of this invention to be easily installed or removed so that it can be readily moved from well to well as production conditions change.

Extending laterally from the plate 23 and positioned above the rod line is a metal support plate 36 having a depending flange 37. Protruding horizontally from flange 37 is a pin 38 which is received within a slotted portion 39 formed integrally with and protruding generally perpendicularly to one end of an enlongated body portion 40 of a disengaging member 41. A catch 42 is secured to the other end 43 of the disengaging member 41, and the catch, in turn, is engaged by a hook portion 44 of a member 45 pivoted to the ange 37 at 46. The engagement of the hook portion 44 with the catch holds the end 43 of the disengaging member above the rod line and out of the path of travel of the clamp 19. When the hook portion 44 is released in the manner hereinafter described, the end 43 is released and falls downwardly either into engagement with the rod line segment 15 or with the block 19. In the event that the disengaging member initially falls into engagement with block 19, it slips away therefrom and falls down into engagement with the rod line 15 as the clamp 19 moves in a rightward direction, Figure l, during the normal pumping operation.

To facilitate the falling movement of the disengaging member upon the line segment 15, the body portion 4tl isof generally U-shaped cross section as clearly appears in Figures l and 2. When the member 41 is in its lower position and in engagement with line segment 15, the next leftward movement of the clamp 19 responsive to pumping of the well causes clamp 19 to engage the forward edge 48 of member 41, the continued leftward movement of rod section 11 thereafter releasing the tension between hook 12 and eye 13. As a result, the hook drops out of the eye and the pumping power source is disconnected from the rod line. If, at any time, the clamp 19 moves abruptly in a leftward direction, Figure 1, into engagement with post 21 while member 41 is in the raised position shown by Figure 1, the lower end of member 41 will merely be lifted out of the way of the clamp due to the provision of slot 39 and its cooperation with pin 38, thus avoiding damage to the apparatus. In order to accommodate the resulting upward movement of slotted portion 39, an opening is formed in the plate 36 above the slotted portion 39.

In accordance with the invention, the hook portion 44 is automatically released from engagement with wilre loop 42 at a predetermined time without the intervention of the pumper, thereby disconnecting the rod line from the pumping station in the manner already described. To this end, I have provided clock mechanism 51 which includes a clock 52 having a shaft 53 carrying a cam 54, the cam shaft being rotated at a predetermined time depending upon the setting of the clock. An arm 55 is pivoted at 56 within a housing 57 carried by the plate 36, and the arm 55 incorporates a knuckle joint 58 which is engaged by the cam 54. A lever forming a part of an assembly'59 is pivoted at 60 to the housing 57, this lever also being pivoted at 61 to the arm 55 and having a slotted portion 62 within which is received an actuator 63 protruding from a pin 64, this pin extending through a bushing 65 to a position closely spaced to the end of member 45 opposite hook portion 44. A spring 66 secured to the housing and lever urges this lever to move in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 60. However, such movement is ordinarily resisted by the arm 55 which is straight at the knuckle 58 when the low part of cam 54 is in engagement with said knuckle portion. When the clock mechanism is actuated at the end of a predetermined period, a mechanical impulse is given to shaft 53 causing rotation of cam 54. This breaks the knuckle joint 58 and allows the lever to move in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 60 under the influence of spring 66. As a result, a pin 64 moves downwardly, Figure 1, engaging member 45 and swinging it in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 46. This disengages hook portion 44 from catch 42 and permits disengaging member 41 to fall into position upon the rod segment 15, the next leftward movement of the rod line causing it to be disconnected from the power source in the manner already explained. Hook 44 can be disengaged from member 42, whenever desired, by suitable manipulation of the clock mechanism.

It will be evident that I have attained the objects of my invention in providing a simple portable device for automatically disconnecting a rod line from a power source at a predetermined time without the intervention of an operator. In most instances, the apparatus can be incorporated in one or a plurality of wells without any change in the existing apparatus, simply by mounting it upon the post 21 which is provided adjacent a clamp 19. Moreover, the apparatus can be readily attached to or removed from the post 21 so that it can be used with different wells as required by production conditions. Finally, the provision of the slotted portion 39 on disengaging member 41 prevents damage to the apparatus should the clamp 19 move abruptly in a leftward direction, Figure 1, as might be caused, for example, by a rod yline breakage between the pumping station and hook 12.

In Figure 3, I have shown a modification of the invention, in which parts similar to those already describedare indicated by like reference numerals. In this modication, a modified support 22a includes a metal plate 23b shaped to fit against a post and having a cutaway portion 23e accommodating the rod line. This plate is provided with a single pair of lug sets, one which is indicated by reference numeral 24a. The lugs are shaped to receive cylindrical metal supports, one of which is denoted by reference numeral 28a. The cylindrical metal supports are drilled to receive suitable fittings, one of which is shown at 30a, for receiving a chain 70 adapted to extend around the post to which the support is secured.

Extending from the plate 23b is a metal support plate 36a having a depending ange 37a and a horizontal pin 38a corresponding to the similarly numbered parts in Figure l. A modified disengaging member 41a has a slotted portion 39a, an elongated body portion 40a, and a catch 42a similar to the disengaging member 41 of Figure l. In addition, disengaging member 41a is provided with a handle 71 permitting it to be manually lifted or lowered.

Cooperating with the catch 42a is a hook portion 44a of a member 45a pivoted to the ange 37a at 46a. A slot 72 formed in the end of member 45a receives a pin 73 protruding from one end of an adjustable length actuating member 74, this member being provided at its other end with a pin received within the slot 63 of lever 62. The clockwork mechanism actuating member 74 is similar in construction and operation to that described in connection with Figure l and the parts are indicated by like reference numerals.

It will be evident that the modification of Figure 3 is quite similar to the structure described in connection with Figures l and 2 both in structure and operation. However, the use of only a single set of supporting lugs together with the chain support simplifies the construction and attachment of the device to a post or other support in the eld. The handle 71 facilitates manipulation of the member 41a, and the provision of the adjustable actuating member 74 improves the ease of operation of the device responsive to the action of the clockwork mechamsm.

While the invention has been described in connection with a present, preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that this description is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the invention.

I claim:

l. Apparatus for disconnecting a rod line from a power source wherein one rod section has a hook secured thereto which is received within an eye forming a part of an adjoining rod section, said apparatus including a block secured to one section of said rod line, a stationary support having a pin protruding therefrom, a disengaging member having a slotted portion at one end thereof fitting over said pin so that said one end of the disengaging member is adapted for vertical movement relative to the rod line, means for holding the other end of said disengaging member at a position above the rod line and out of the path of movement of said block, a clock settable to provide a mechanical impulse at a predetermined time, and means for transmitting said mechanical impulse to said holding means to release same from said disengaging member, thereby allowing said member to fall into the path of movement of said block.

2. Apparatus for disconnecting a rod line from a power source wherein one rod section has a hook secured thereto which is received within an eye forming a part of an adjoining rod section, said apparatus including a block secured to one section of said rod line, a post disposed adjacent said rod line, a support carried by said post including a metal plate having a horizontal pin protruding therefrom which is positioned above said rod line, a disengaging member including an elongated body portion and a slotted portion extending generally perpendicular to said body portion at one end thereof, said slotted portion receiving said pin so that said one end of the body portion is mounted for upward and downward swinging movement toward and away from the rod line, a catch secured to the other endy of said disengaging member, a hook pivoted to said support having a hooked end engageable with said catch to hold said other end of the disengaging member in a position above the path of said block, a clock mechanism settable to provide a mechanical impulse at a predetermined time, and means transmitting said impulse to the other end of said hooked member to disengage the hook from said catch and thereby allow said disengaging member to fall into the path of said block.

3. Apparatus for disconnecting a rod line from a power source wherein one rod section has a hook secured thereto which is received within an eye forming a part of an adjoining rod section, said apparatus including a block secured to one section of said rod line, a post disposed adjacent said rod line, a support carried by said post including a metal plate having a horizontal pivot protruding therefrom which is positioned above said rod line, a disengaging member including an elongated body portion and a slotted portion extending generally perpendicular to said body portion at one end thereof, said slotted portion receiving said pivot so that said one end of the body portion is mounted for upward and downward swinging movement toward and away from the rod line, a catch secured to the other end of said body portion, a hook member pivoted to said support having a hooked end engageable with said catch to hold said other end of said body portion in a position above the path of said block, a clock mechanism including a shaft rotatable at the end of a timed period, a cam secured to said shaft, an arm having one end thereof pivoted on said support and a knuckle joint engaging said cam, a lever pivoted to the other end of said arm and pivotally secured to said support, a pin pivoted to said lever and engageable with said hook member to cause it to release said catch, a spring urging said lever to force said pin into engagement with the hook member, movement of the lever responsive to said spring normally being prevented by said arm, and said cam being actuatable to move said knuckle joint so as to release the end of said lever pivoted to the arm and thereby allow movement of the lever responsive to said spring.

4. Apparatus for disconnecting a rod line from a power source which comprises, in combination, a rod line formed from a plurality of rod segments, clamps securing together adjacent segments of said line, one section of said line including a hook engageable with an eye carried by an adjoining section of the rod line, a post disposed adjacent said rod line, a support carried by said post including a metal plate having a horizontal pin protruding therefrom which is positioned above said rod line, a disengaging member including an elongated body portion and a slotted portion extending generally perpendicular to said body portion at one end thereof, said slotted portion receiving said pin so that said one end of the body portion is mounted for upward and downward swinging movement toward and away from the rod line, a catch secured to the other end of said body portion, a hook member pivoted to said support having a hooked end engageable with said catch to hold said other end of said body portion in a position above the path of said clamp, a clock mechanism including a shaft rotatable at the end of a timed period, a cam secured to said shaft, an arm having one end thereof pivoted on said support and a knuckle joint engaging said cam, a lever pivoted to the other end of said arm and pivotally secured to said support, a pin pivoted to said lever and engageable with said hook member to cause it to release said catch, a spring urging said lever to force said pin into engagement with the hook member, movement of the lever responsive to said spring normally being prevented by said arm, and said cam being actuatable to move said knuckle joint so as to release the end of said 6 lever pivoted to the arm and thereby allow movement of the lever responsive to said spring.

5. Apparatus for disconnecting a rod line from a power source wherein one rod section has a hook secured thereto which is received within an eye forming a part of an adjoining rod section, said apparatus including a block secured to one section of said rod line, a post disposed adjacent said rod line, a support carried by said post including a metal plate having a horizontal pivot protruding therefrom which is positioned above said rod line, a disengaging member including an elongated body portion, a slotted portion extending generally perpendicular to said body portion at one end thereof, and a handle protruding from said elongated body portion, said slotted portion receiving said pivot so that said one end of the body portion is mounted for upward and downward swinging movement toward and away from the rod line, a catch secured to the other end of said body portion, a hook member pivoted to said support having a hooked end engageable with said catch to hold said other end of said body portion in a position above the path of said block, a clock mechanism including a shaft rotatable at the end of a timed period, a cam secured to said shaft, an arm having one end thereof pivoted on said support and a knuckle joint engaging said cam, a lever pivoted to the other end of said arm and pivotally secured to said support, a pin pivoted to said lever and said hook member, said pin being adjustable in length, whereby movement of said lever causes the hook member to become disengaged from said catch, and a spring cooperating with said lever to cause said pin to force said hook member into engagement with said catch.

6. Apparatus for disconnecting a rod line from a power source wherein one rod section has a hook secured thereto which is received within an eye forming a part of an adjoining rod section, said apparatus including a member protruding from one section of said rod line, a stationary support having a pin protruding therefrom, a disengaging member having a slotted portion at one end thereof fitting over said pin so that said one end of the disengaging member is adapted for vertical movement relative to the rod line, means for holding the other end of said disengaging member at a position above the rod line and out of the path of movement of said protruding member, a clock settable to provide a mechanical impulse at a predetermined time, and means for transmitting said mechanical impulse to said holding means to release same from said disengaging member, thereby allowing said disengaging member to fall into the path of movement of said protruding member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,062,258 Dunn Nov. 24, 1936 

